US snatches win from Ghana with Zusi corner

The U.S. took the early lead when Clint Dempsey scored less than a minute into the match. A quick throw from Demarcus Beasley and a few touches later Dempsey sliced through the Ghana defense. Dempsey slid the ball off the past Adam Kwarasey and off the far post to put the U.S. up 1-0.

Ghana was always going to be a tough match and after the U.S. goal Ghana kept building pressure and the U.S. was having difficulty maintaining possession.

Jürgen Klinsmann's squad suffered a serious blow when Jozy Altidore went down clutching his hamstring forcing Aron Johannsson to come off the bench in the 23^rd minute.

U.S. fans were worried when Dempsey went up for a header and the Ghana defenders shin collided with his face. Dempsey left the field bleeding but came back on quickly and later said he thought his nose was broken.

John Brooks came on for Sporting Kansas City's Matt Besler at halftime. Klinsmann made the sub because Besler had pain in his hamstring as well but later said it was precautionary and Besler could have kept playing. The thought is he could be available for the next match.

Sporting KC's Graham Zusi came on in the 77^th minute for Alejandro Bedoya who appeared to be struggling as well.

The U.S. hopes for taking three points were shaken when Ghana's Andre Ayew put one past Tim Howard at the near post in the 82^nd.

The U.S. won a corner and Zusi played an in-swinger in the 86^th. Brooks headed the ball down and it bounced back up past the Ghana keeper to retake the lead 2-1. Ghana pressed hard but was unable to equalize again.

While it was never about revenge for the U.S., it was good for them to be able get past the team that knocked them out of the last two World Cups. Next up is Portugal who suffered a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Germany earlier in the day. Portugal also has a few injury issues and will be missing starting defender Pepe due to a red card. The U.S. and Portugal meet June 22^nd.